Tunable high aspect ratio polymer nanostructures for cell interfaces

Literature Information

Publication Date 2015-04-03
DOI 10.1039/C5NR00674K
Impact Factor 7.79
Authors

Kai Sandvold Beckwith, Simon P. Cooil, Justin W. Wells, Pawel Sikorski



Abstract

Nanoscale topographies and chemical patterns can be used as synthetic cell interfaces with a range of applications including the study and control of cellular processes. Herein, we describe the fabrication of high aspect ratio nanostructures using electron beam lithography in the epoxy-based polymer SU-8. We show how nanostructure geometry, position and fluorescence properties can be tuned, allowing flexible device design. Further, thiol–epoxide reactions were developed to give effective and specific modification of SU-8 surface chemistry. SU-8 nanostructures were made directly on glass cover slips, enabling the use of high resolution optical techniques such as live-cell confocal, total internal reflection and 3D structured illumination microscopy to investigate cell interactions with the nanostructures. Details of cell adherence and spreading, plasma membrane conformation and actin organization in response to high aspect ratio nanopillars and nanolines were investigated. The versatile structural and chemical properties combined with the high resolution cell imaging capabilities of this system are an important step towards the better understanding and control of cell interactions with nanomaterials.

Source Journal

Nanoscale

Nanoscale
CiteScore: 12.1
Self-citation Rate: 5.2%
Articles per Year: 1681

Nanoscale is a high-impact international journal, publishing high-quality research across nanoscience and nanotechnology. Nanoscale publishes a full mix of research articles on experimental and theoretical work, including reviews, communications, and full papers. Highly interdisciplinary, Nanoscale appeals to scientists, researchers and professionals interested in nanoscience and nanotechnology, quantum materials and quantum technology, including the areas of physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, materials, energy/environment, information technology, detection science, healthcare and drug discovery, and electronics. For publication in Nanoscale, papers must report high-quality reproducible new work that will be of significant general interest to the journal's wide international readership. Nanoscale is a collaborative venture between the Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing and a leading nanoscience research centre, the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) in Beijing, China. image block The journal publishes weekly issues, complementing and building on the nano content already published across the Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing journal portfolio. Since its launch in late 2009, Nanoscale has established itself as a platform for high-quality, cross-community research that bridges the various disciplines involved with nanoscience and nanotechnology, publishing important research from leading international research groups.

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